What is technical writing?
Q: What is technical writing?
A: Technical writing is any form of communication that involves communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations; or providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of the task's technical nature.
Q: Who is the audience for technical writing?
A: The audience for technical writing depends on the purpose and topic of the communication. It could be doctors & nurses; lay people with a good general education; or poorly-educated people.
Q: How should the level of technical discussion and formality be matched to an intended audience?
A: The level of technical discussion and formality should be matched to an intended purpose and audience by considering factors such as their education, professional experience, reading level, and motivations. Clear and simple diction should also be used to make writing accessible to readers for whom English is not their first language.
Q: Does technical writing only communicate verbally?
A: No, it communicates visually as well as verbally. A communication should follow an overall logic in order to effectively convey information.
Q: What are two approaches used in technical writing?
A: Two approaches commonly used in technical writing are descriptive (e.g., "Parts of a car engine") and problem-solving ("How to change tyres").
Q: Are encyclopedias a good example of practical application for technical writing?
A: Yes, practical encyclopedias usually inform readers about various topics while also having how-to sections which provide instructions on how to do something related to that topic. Medical encyclopedias are a particularly good example since they provide information regarding health questions along with instructions on how to address them.
Q: When did guides on how-to do things first appear?
A: Guides on how-to do things first appeared in manuscripts before the arrival of print media technology.
